Dame Patricia Routledge’s life is being celebrated as her funeral is being held at Chichester Cathedral.
The Hyacinth Bucket star, who died at the age of 96 in October, is being celebrated in a public funeral service, which started at 1pm. The star’s service is open to the public and also available to be watched on a live-stream.
Those organising the funeral have requested for no flowers and instead are asking for donations in Patricia’s memory for The Patricia Routledge Foundation, which is involved in helping a wide range of charitable causes to help “making a positive and last difference in people’s lives”.
The choir sings before another reading
Matthew Sims gives a reading
Actor Peter Bourke gives a reading
Opening speech
In the welcome speech before the first hymn, the priest leading the service said: “Welcome everyone to the cathedral, this afternoon as we come together for the funeral of our dear friend Dame Catherine Patricia Routledge. Today we come to give thanks for Patricia, for her long life and her many achievements – most notoriously on stage and screen but also in more hidden ways in her love and concern for family and friends and for her commitment to many causes and her strengthen and gave life to others. We come also to pray for her and in this cathedral church where she worshipped for many years, to commend her to God’s merciful keeping in the hope of the resurrection.
Dame Patricia’s coffin is seen for first time
At the front of the cathedral, Dame Patricia’s funeral is placed on a wooden stand.
It is a light wood coffin with a bouquet of yellow and white flowers on and a purple cushion is seen resting on top, too.
The service begins
Those attending the funeral service at Chichester Catherdral are standing as the organist is playing Air from Suite No. 3 in D Major as those conducting the service enter and approach Dame Patricia’s coffin.
Order of service
Dame Patricia’s order of service includes photos of the acting icon throughout her life.
The order of service also shows prayers and hymns that will be included. An extract of a William Blake poem, titled Auguries of Innocence, will also be read.
Meanwhile, Matthew Sims, who is a trustee in The Patricia Routledge Foundation, will do another reading. The Reverend Ish Smale will be doing a reading while The Very Reverend Nicholas FraylingDean Emeritus of Chichester will pay tribute to the actress.
Tributes to the star
Upon the news of her death, tributes to the actress flooded in online and on social media.
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley – who plays Mandy Dingle – was one of the first to pay tribute to her former co-star. In a lengthy post, she shared: “REST IN PEACE, Dear Dame Pat, you taught me so so much when we worked together, I was only 14 years old, playing your little novice super sleuth trouble maker.
“I still tell all the stories from those cold filming days in Haslingden, Lancashire. You’ve kept the nation so happy with your comedic timing over the years-now all the angels are laughing. What a career you’ve had.”
Natalie Ann Jamieson, who also starred in Emmerdale, added: “Very said, truly top of her game, genius actress,” whilst Laura Norton – who plays Kerry Wyatt – branded Patricia a “genius”.
William Hanson, who is the host of an official fan podcast for the sitcom, shared: “Dame Patricia Routledge, 1929 – 2025. Now off to the candlelight supper in the sky. Thank you for everything. Hyacinth’s final words in Keeping Up Appearances seem fitting.”
Funeral details
The star’s funeral is being held today at Chichester Cathedral. The event is open to the public and there is unreserved seating on a first-come, first served basis.
Patricia Routledge’s agent’s statement
Patricia’s death was announced by her agent in a statement, which read: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, who died peacefully in her sleep this morning surrounded by love.
“Even at 96-years old, Dame Patricia’s passion for her work and for connecting with live audiences never waned, just as new generations of audiences have continued to find her through her beloved television roles.
“She will be dearly missed by those closest to her and by her devoted admirers around the world.”
